Course advice for Theoretical Physics at Cambridge University

[Raman5656s]

I want to apply to Cambridge University for theoretical physics for undergraduate degree.I want to ask that should i chose natural science tripos or mathematical tripos for theoretical physics?

I am also aware about the option(b) 'maths with physics' in mathematical tripos,but it is a one year degree course,after that should i stay in mathematical tripos or natural science tripos? Also what is the difference between the physics taught in natsci course vs physics taught in mathematical tripos.

As my passion lies in both mathematical rigor but i also does not want to know less physics(for theoretical physics ,as being in mathematical tripos) also i know that natsci does have enough mathematical rigor. Again repeating -physics taught in natsci course vs physics taught in mathematical tripos? Main concern is:which course will we better for theoretical physics?

 

[pasmith]

I want to apply to Cambridge University for theoretical physics for undergraduate degree.I want to ask that should i chose natural science tripos or mathematical tripos for theoretical physics?

I did study Mathematics at Cambridge, although that was 20 years ago so my personal experience is likely not of use to you. The main difference is that the applied mathematics/theoretical physics courses on the Mathematics Tripos do not contain any element of practical laboratory work, whilst the physics courses on the Natural Science Tripos do. In later years there is significant overlap, with students on both triposes being able to take courses taught by either DAMTP, DoP or IoA (Institute of Astronomy).

Mathematics with Physics is perhaps the obvious choice. The effect of this option is that Paper 4 of Part I of the Mathematics Tripos (Number and Sets / Dynamics and Relativity) is replaced by the Physics paper from Part I of Natrual Sciences, and the corresponding lecture courses are replaced* by the whole of the physics course, including practical laboratory work. It will therefore give you experience of the teaching methods of both triposes, which will help inform your decision as to what you do subsequently.

*This is not a 1-1 substitution; the physics course takes more time than the two maths courses.

I am also aware about the option(b) 'maths with physics' in mathematical tripos,but it is a one year degree course,after that should i stay in mathematical tripos or natural science tripos?

That is, I suspect, not a decision you can sensibly make until you have completed the first year, and nor will your College expect you to make it until then.

Bear in mind that which course you initially apply for will determine who interviews you and which STEP papers you are asked to take as a condition of your offer.

 

[Muu9]

I would do part 1A in the math tripos with the math with physics option and then transfer to the natsci.

https://www.maths.cam.ac.uk/undergrad/files/maths_with_physics.pdf